Vacuum storage system

ABSTRACT

A vacuum storage system can have a storage container such as a semi-rigid bowl or a flexible thermoplastic bag and an evacuation device for evacuating the container. To draw air from the storage container, the container can be equipped with a one-way valve element attached to a exterior sidewall of the container. The valve element can interface with a nozzle of the evacuation device. The valve element is adaptable between a normal condition in which the valve element is closed, and an altered position in which the valve element is opened. To alter the valve element, the evacuation device includes a contact feature that can contact and displace the valve element.

BACKGROUND

Various types of containers are known to be used for the purpose of storing and preserving food items. Such containers may be in the configuration of rigid dishes or bowls that provide a cavity or interior volume which can be covered with removable lids. Furthermore, the containers may be storage bags such as are typically made from a flexible, low cost, thermoplastic material that is configured to provide an interior volume into which food items can be inserted. To preserve the inserted food items, the storage bag may also include a closing mechanism, such as interlocking fastening strips, for sealing closed an opening through which the interior volume is accessible.

One problem that occurs with the aforementioned containers, including both rigid containers and storage bags, is that latent air may remain trapped within the interior volume after sealing closed the opening. The trapped air may cause spoiling or dehydration of the food items.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The vacuum storage system can be used for storing and preserving food items in an evacuated environment. The system can include a storage container that provides an interior volume which can receive the food items. The storage container can be a rigid or semi-rigid container such as a dish or bowl with a removable lid or the storage container can be a flexible thermoplastic bag. To remove air from the interior volume after food items have been inserted therein, the storage container can include a one-way valve element that communicates with the interior volume. The system can also include a vacuum or evacuation device that interfaces with the one-way valve element to withdraw air from the interior volume.

To facilitate evacuation of the storage container, the valve element can be alterable between a normal condition in which the valve element is closed and an altered condition in which the valve element is opened. To alter the valve element, the vacuum device can include a contact feature that, when interfaced with the valve element, alters the valve element between its normal condition and the altered condition. When the valve element is so altered, the vacuum device can draw air from the interior volume through the valve element. Once the vacuum device is disengaged or separated from the valve element, the valve element can return to its normal closed condition.

The vacuum device may have an electrically powered air flow generating unit for removing air from a storage container. To power the vacuum device, the device can include a rechargeable battery that powers the motor which in turn powers the air flow generating unit.

An advantage of the vacuum system is that it facilitates the storage and preservation of food items in an evacuated environment. Another advantage of the vacuum system is that it simplifies and improves removal of air from the storage container. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum system including a storage container having a one-way valve element and a vacuum device that can interface with the valve element.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 1 illustrating the vacuum device including the contact feature and the valve element of the storage container in its normal closed condition.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2 illustrating the vacuum device interfaced with the valve element to alter the valve element to its altered and opened condition.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2 illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum device having a contact feature and the valve element of a storage container in its normal closed condition.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum device and storage container of FIG. 4 illustrating the contact feature interfaced with the valve element to alter the valve element to its altered and opened condition.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 2 illustrating another embodiment of the vacuum device having a contact feature and the valve element of a storage container in its normal closed condition.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum device and storage container of FIG. 6 illustrating the contact feature interfaced with the valve element to alter the valve element to its altered and opened condition.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, partial assembly view of another embodiment of the vacuum device having a contact feature and a multi-component valve element of a storage container in its normal closed condition.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum device and valve element of FIG. 8 illustrating the valve element displaced by the contact feature to its altered condition.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an airflow generating unit that can be used in the evacuation device that includes a reciprocal piston for generating airflow.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a hand-held vacuum device in which the forward nozzle has been removed and that includes an airflow generating unit having a cam and a yoke.

FIG. 12 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing the vacuum device of FIG. 11 conducting an intake stroke.

FIG. 13 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing the vacuum device of FIG. 11 conducting an exhaust stroke.

FIG. 14 is an elevational cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the hand-held vacuum device in which the forward nozzle has been removed and that includes an airflow generating unit having a crank wheel and a piston.

FIG. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of a handheld vacuum device in which the forward nozzle has been removed and that includes an airflow generating unit having a rotary vane pumping mechanism.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the rotary vane pumping mechanism included in the vacuum device of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an evacuation device using a diaphragm and conducting an intake stroke.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the evacuation device in FIG. 17 and conducting an exhaust stroke.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having a closable open top with interlocking fastener strips and a slider.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking fasteners strips engaging a movable slider for releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a storage container 100 and a vacuum or evacuation device 150 for evacuating the storage container. The storage container 100 can be a semi-rigid structure including a tub-like or bowl-like base 102 and a removable lid 104. The base 102 and lid 104 form the exterior walls that delineate an interior volume for receiving the food items. The lid 104 can attach to the base 102 by a tongue and groove feature that provides an air tight seal. The base 102 and lid 104 can be made from any suitable material including, for example, molded thermoplastic. In other embodiments, however, the storage container can be any other type of suitable container such as a flexible storage bag.

To evacuate the interior volume of the storage container 100, a one-way valve element 110 may be attached to lid 102 that communicates with the interior volume. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve element is located at the center of the circular lid but in other embodiments can be located elsewhere. Additionally, the valve element is circular in shape but in other embodiments can have any other suitable shape and size, such as, square, rectangle, or truncated circle.

The vacuum device 150 can be a hand-held device including an elongated generally cylindrical housing 152 that extends generally along an axis line 154. In other embodiments, however, the vacuum device can have other suitable shapes and orientations. The housing 152 can be made from molded, substantially rigid thermoplastic material and can be produced as multiple parts that are later assembled together. Enclosed within the housing 152 and shown in cut-away can be an electrically operated airflow generating unit 156 which can be powered by, for example, an electrical motor. The motor may be battery operated or may receive power from a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. Formed at the forward end of the elongated housing 152 can be a generally tapered nozzle 158 that is adapted to interface with the one-way valve element 110 on the lid of the storage container 100. The nozzle 158 tapers toward and may terminate in a circular rim 160 delineating a circular inlet opening 162.

To facilitate interfacing of the valve element 110 with the vacuum device 150, the valve element can be designed to alter between a normal condition in which the valve element is closed and an altered condition in which the valve element is opened. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the valve element 110 can be a flat, circular, thin-walled membrane 112 of resilient or flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber, RTV compound, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride. The thin-walled membrane can have a thickness of, for example, between 0.001 inches (0.0025 cm) and 0.05 inches (0.127 cm). The membrane 112 can have a slit or orifice 116 disposed generally through the membrane from one surface to the other. Thus, the membrane 112 can have a first portion 120 and a second portion 122 which are separated or partitioned by the slit 116. In one embodiment, the slit 116 may be in the center of the membrane and the first portion may be a first semi-circular half and the second portion may be a second semi-circular half. In other embodiments, the slit or orifice can be placed in other locations and the membrane can be portioned into portions having different shapes and sizes.

The membrane 112 is attached about and accessible through an aperture 114 disposed into an upwards protruding boss 118 formed into the lid 104. The flexible membrane 112 can also have a resilient shape memory so that, in its normal condition, the membrane has a generally flat appearance and closes the aperture 114. The valve element 110 can be parallel to and generally coplanar with the lid 104 of the storage container. In its normal condition, the first and second portions 120, 122 are also parallel and coplanar so that they abut along a seam designated by the slit or orifice 116. In this condition, the orifice 116 and hence the valve element 110 are generally shut closed. Any suitable retaining method can be used to retain the membrane about the aperture including, for example, adhesive and/or lamination. In other embodiments, the lid may not include a boss 118.

To open the valve element 110 and establish fluid communication with the interior volume, the evacuation device 150 can include a contact feature 164 adapted to contact and open the valve element. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the contact feature 164 can be a projecting finger 166 formed as part of the nozzle 158 and projecting axially forward of the circular rim 160. In this embodiment, the finger 166 projects from one side of the circular rim 160 and can be radially offset from the axis line 154 of the vacuum device 150. When the nozzle 158 is interfaced with the valve element 110, the finger 166 can contact the valve element. In this embodiment, the finger 166 can project through the aperture 114 of the lid 104 to contact or impinge upon and displace the flexible membrane 112 into the interior volume as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the membrane 112 is displaced into the interior volume, the first and second portions 120, 122 are deflected out of their abutting relationship so that the slit 116 expands and the valve element is opened. Thus, the valve element is in its altered condition. When the airflow generating unit is activated, air from the interior volume can be drawn into the evacuation device. Additionally, as illustrated, the rim 160 of the nozzle 158 may be smaller in size than the aperture 114 so that the rim contacts the membrane 112. The resilient material of the membrane 112 can help form a seal against the rim 160 to facilitate evacuation.

Once evacuation of air from the interior volume is complete, the evacuation device 150 can be lifted thereby retracting the projecting finger 166 from the aperture 114 and separating it from contact with the valve element 110. The valve element 110 returns to its normal condition in which the orifice 116 is closed and the interior volume is sealed. Thus, the valve element preserves the vacuum conditions in the interior volume when the valve element is in its normal closed condition.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 210 attached to the lid of a storage container and a vacuum device 250 for evacuating the container. The valve element 210 can be a flat, thin-walled flexible or resilient membrane 212 attached to the lid 204 of the storage container. The valve element can close an aperture 214. The lid may include an upwards protruding boss 218. Disposed through the membrane at various locations can be a plurality of slits or orifices 216. The material of the membrane 212 can have a shape memory such that in its normal condition the membrane has a flat planar shape lying across the aperture 214. The valve element 210 in its normal condition can therefore lie generally parallel to and coplanar with the container lid 204. When the membrane 212 is in its normal flat condition, the material of the membrane squeezes closed the slits or orifices 216 and hence the valve element 210 is in a closed condition.

To open the valve element 210, the evacuation device 250 may include a contact feature 264 that can contact the valve element. The contact feature 264 may alter the condition of the membrane 212. The contact feature 264 may be a forward projecting finger 266. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the finger 266 can be located partially inside of the nozzle 258. The finger may extend along an axis line 254 that can pass through the center of the inlet opening 262 delineated by the nozzle rim 260. The finger may also protrude a predetermined distance forward of the rim 260. The finger can be part of the nozzle or the finger can be formed as a separate part of the vacuum device that is attached inside the nozzle.

During evacuation, the nozzle 258 is placed adjacent the lid 204 of the storage container 200. As illustrated, the width 268 of the nozzle rim 260 can be larger than the diameter 230 of the aperture 214 so that the nozzle 258 can engage the lid 204. In this embodiment, the nozzle 258 may abut against the upward protruding lid boss 218. The finger 266 can project through the aperture 214 and contact the membrane 212. The membrane 212 may be displaced downward into the interior volume of the storage container by the finger 266. Displacing the membrane 212 in this manner also causes the membrane material to stretch which results in opening of the orifices 216. The valve element is thereby altered into its open and altered condition and air can be withdrawn from the interior volume by the vacuum device. After evacuation is complete, the evacuation device 250 can be lifted from the lid 204 so that the projecting finger 266 is moved out of contact with the membrane 212. The membrane 212 can return to its normal flat condition in which the plurality of orifices 216 are closed thereby sealing the interior volume.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 310 attached to the lid 304 of a storage container and the nozzle 358 of a vacuum device 350 for evacuating the storage container. The valve element 310 can be made from a thin, flexible or resilient material but in the illustrated embodiment has a domed or arched shape. The valve element 310 can be attached about an aperture 314 disposed through the lid 304 and, because of its domed shape, generally protrudes upwards out of the aperture. Disposed through the apex of the domed shaped valve element 310 is an orifice or slit 316 which is in a normally closed condition. The orifice 316 can divide the domed shaped valve element 310 into upward curving first and second portions 320, 322. In the normal condition, the portions can abut together along a seam formed by the orifice.

To open the valve element, the nozzle 358 of the evacuation device 350 is formed with a contact feature 364. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact feature 364 is formed as the rim 360 of the nozzle 358 which delineates the inlet opening. Specifically, the rim 360 has a first width 368. The valve element 310 includes a second width 330. The second width 330 may be larger than the first width 368. The first width 368 may correspond in dimension to at least a portion of the upward domed or curved shape of the valve element 310. In this embodiment, the width 368 of the rim 360 may be smaller in dimension that the aperture 314 through the lid 304.

When the evacuation device 350 and the valve element 310 are interfaced, the nozzle 358 of the evacuation device 350 is placed adjacent the lid 304 and the rim 360 can contact the valve element 310 at a position along the upward domed or curved portions of the first and second portions 320, 322. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the dome shaped valve element 310 can be partially received up into the nozzle 358. Contact between the rim 360 and the flexible valve element 310 alters the valve element by displacing the first and second abutting portions 320, 322 downwards towards the interior volume and causes the portions to deflect and separate thereby opening the orifice 316. Air can then be withdrawn from the interior volume of the storage container by the evacuation device. After evacuation is complete, the vacuum device 350 can be lifted or separated from the lid 304 and the valve element 310 can return to its normal domed shape due to the resiliency and shape memory of the valve material. In its normal shape, the first and second portions 320, 322 can abut along the orifice 316 thereby closing the valve element 310.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 410 for attachment to the sidewall 402 of a storage container 400 such as a flexible thermoplastic bag. As distinct from the aforementioned semi-rigid containers, the thermoplastic bag 400 can be formed by a first sidewall 402 overlying and joined to a second sidewall 404 to provide an interior volume therebetween. To access the interior volume, an opening can be disposed into either of the sidewalls. The sidewalls 402, 404 themselves can be made from any suitable thermoplastic material including, for example, polyethylene.

The valve element 410 can be a multi-component valve element including a flat, thin-walled, flexible membrane 412 of any suitable resilient material that can be sandwiched between a relatively rigid base member 420 and a similarly rigid plug member 440. The valve element components can be circular in shape. The flexible membrane component 412 of the valve element 410 can have a thin, flat shape with a plurality of slits or orifices 416 disposed therethrough. When the membrane 412 is in its normal flat condition, the resilient material relaxes such that the orifices 416 are typically closed.

To operatively connect the membrane 412 to the storage bag 400, the base member 420 may include a central depression 422, one or more sidewalls 424, and a bottom wall 426. The interior surfaces of the sidewall 424 include an inward directed tongue 428 while disposed through the bottom wall 426 can be one or more holes or apertures 430. The base member 420 can be fixedly attached directly to the sidewall 402 of the storage bag so that the bottom wall 426 is exposed to the interior volume. The membrane 412 can be received within the central depression 422 generally between the bottom wall 426 and the inward projecting tongue 428.

To retain the membrane 412 in the central depression 422, a plug member 440 can snap fit into the base member 420. Specifically, the plug member 440 can be a flat structure and can have an outer periphery with a shape corresponding to that of the interior surface of the base member sidewall 424 including a circular groove 442. When the plug member 440 is pressed into the central depression 422, the inward projecting tongue 428 can be received in the groove 442. The membrane 412 is thus sandwiched between the bottom wall 426 of the base member 420 and the plug member 440. When thus assembled, the membrane 412 can typically retain its normal condition in which the orifices 416 are shut closed. To provide access between the membrane 412 and the surrounding environment across the plug member 440, the plug member 440 may include a plurality of holes or apertures 444 disposed through it that can generally correspond to the apertures disposed through the bottom wall 426.

To open the valve element 410, the evacuation device 450 can have a forward projecting contact feature 464 that extends past the rim 460 of a generally tapered nozzle 458. The contact feature 464 can be shaped as an extended finger and can be axially concentric of the rim 460 which provides the inlet opening. Moreover, the contact feature 464 can be sized to be received in one or more of the plurality of apertures 444 disposed through the plug member 440. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the nozzle 458 of the evacuation device 450 is placed adjacent the storage container sidewall 404, the contact feature 464 passes through the aperture 444 to contact with the valve membrane 412 and displace or deflect the membrane against the bottom wall 426 of the base member 420. When the membrane 412 is displaced, the flexible material stretches out causing the orifices 416 to open up. Hence, the valve element is in its altered condition whereby air from the storage container interior volume can then communicate across the valve element 410 via the base member apertures 430, membrane orifices 416, and the plug member apertures 444. When the nozzle 458 of the evacuation device 450 is lifted away from the storage container 400, the membrane 412 can return to its normal shape with the orifices 416 closed.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated an embodiment of the airflow generating unit 500 that can be used with any of the embodiments described herein as appropriate. The airflow generating unit can be driven by an electrically operated motor 510. To actually generate airflow, the airflow generating unit 500 can also include a linearly movable piston 520 that can reciprocally slide within a cylinder bore 522 provided by a cylindrical sidewall 524 of a cylinder body 526. The cylinder bore 522 may be closed off at its forward end by an axial face plate 528 of the cylinder body 526. To convert the rotational motion of the force of the motor 510 to the linear motion of the piston 520, a pinion gear 530 may be fastened to the motor shaft 512 and engages a circular crown gear 532. As illustrated, the rotational axis of the pinion gear 530 may be the same as the axis line 514 extending along the motor shaft 512 while the rotational axis 534 of the crown gear 532 may be generally normal to the axis line 514. Eccentrically mounted to the crown gear 532 is a connecting rod 540 at one end of which is attached the piston 520. To accomplish eccentric mounting of the connecting rod 540 to the crown gear 532, the air flow generating unit 500 can include an eccentric member 542 as shown in FIG. 10. Because of the eccentric mounting of the connecting rod 540 to the crown gear 532, rotation of the crown gear results in linear motion of the piston 520 back and forth along the axis line 514. As can be appreciated, when the piston 520 reciprocally moves within the cylinder bore 522, a pumping force is generated that can be used to withdraw air from a storage container. The components of the airflow generating unit 500 can be contained in a two part protective shell or cover 544 that snap fits together.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated another embodiment of a hand-held evacuation device for evacuating air in which the airflow generating unit may operate by converting rotational motion to linear motion. The evacuation device 600 may include a comparatively rigid, elongated housing 602 adapted to be gripped by the hands of a user. Enclosed in the housing 602 at the rearward end may be an electrically operated motor 620 with a rotating shaft 622 that may extend along an axis line 624. Mounted to the motor shaft 622 and concentric with the axis line 624 may be a cylindrical cam 630. Disposed into and extending in a pattern circumferentially about the cylindrical sidewall 632 of the cam 630 may be a channel 634. The channel may be sinusoidal in shape.

The evacuation device 600 may also include a yoke 640 having one or more follower elements 642 that can be received in the channel 634 of the cam 630. To locate the follower elements 642 in the channel 634, the yoke 640 may have a U-shaped configuration including a forward directed common joint 644 from which may extend rearward directed, bifurcated first and second arms 646, 648 to which the follower elements 642 may be connected. When the device is assembled, the common joint 644 may align with the axis line 624 and the first and second arms 646, 648 may extend along opposite halves of the cylindrical cam 630 to position the follower elements 642 in the channel 634.

Forward of the cam 630, the common joint 644 of the yoke 640 may be attached to a reciprocal element 650, such as a piston, that may be slidably received in a cylindrical bore or chamber 662 provided by a rigid chamber body 660. The chamber 662 can communicate with any of the nozzle configurations described herein via an inlet aperture 664 disposed through the chamber body 660. To facilitate evacuation of air via the reciprocal element and chamber, a valve plate 670 including an inlet valve 672 may be provided at the forward face of the chamber body 660 such that the inlet valve aligns with the inlet aperture 664.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in operation, the motor shaft 622 extending from the motor 620 rotates the cam 630 thus moving the channel 634 about in a circle. As the channel 634 rotates, the follower elements 642 and the connected yoke 640 may be reciprocally driven forward and backward along the axis line 624. The reciprocal driving of the yoke 640 results in reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element 650 within the chamber 662. When the reciprocal element 650 is moved rearward, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the inlet valve 672 opens drawing air into the chamber 662. When the reciprocal element 650 is moved forward, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the inlet valve 672 closes and the drawn air can be expelled from the chamber 660.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is illustrated another embodiment of a hand-held evacuation device 700 in which the airflow generating unit translates rotational motion to reciprocal motion. The evacuation device 700 may include an elongated housing 702 adapted to be gripped by the hand of a user. Enclosed within the housing 702 may be an electrical motor 720 with a rotatable shaft 722 extending along a first axis line 724. To activate the electrical motor 720, a switch 726 can be provided on the housing 702 and wired to the motor. The motor and shaft may drive the airflow generating unit 730 enclosed in the housing to provide a suction force for withdrawing air from a container such as a storage bag.

In one embodiment, the motor 720 can be powered by a battery 721. For example, a rechargeable battery, such as, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery, or other battery design. To recharge the battery 721, there can be located at an exposed location towards the rear of the housing 702, a receptacle 723 for receiving a power pin 725 from a transformer 727 designed to plug into a standard electrical outlet. The power pin 725 can be attached at the end of an electrical cord extending from the transformer. In other embodiments, the rear of the housing 702 can be configured to be received into a cradle 729 of an adapter 731 which can both hold and recharge the evacuation device 700.

The airflow generating unit 730 can include a circular eccentric wheel 732 that may be concentrically mounted onto the motor shaft 722. The airflow generating unit 730 may also include a piston 734 slidably receivable in a chamber 736 delineated by a chamber body 738. The piston 734 may be movable within the chamber 736 along a second axis line 740 which can be generally normal to the first axis line 724. To enable reciprocal motion of the piston 734 with respect to the chamber 736 along the second axis line 740, the piston may be eccentrically connected to the wheel 732. Specifically, the piston 734 may be connected to the wheel 732 at a position radially outward from the center of the wheel which may be aligned with the first axis line 724. Thus, as the motor shaft 722 rotates, the eccentric connection causes the piston 734 to reciprocate within the chamber 736.

For enabling the reciprocal motion of the piston 734 to provide a pumping action for drawing air from a storage container, the chamber housing 738 can include an inlet valve 742 and an exhaust valve 744. The inlet valve 742 may be arranged between the chamber 736 for controlling access of air from a storage container to the chamber. When the piston 734 is withdrawn with respect to the chamber body 738, the inlet valve 742 opens and air is drawn into the chamber 736. When the piston 734 is moved inward with respect to the chamber housing 738, the exhaust valve 744 opens while the inlet valve 742 simultaneously closes and air is expelled from the chamber 736.

Illustrated in FIG. 15 is another embodiment of a hand-held evacuation device 800 having a rotary vane pumping mechanism as part of the airflow generating unit. The evacuation device 800 may include an elongated housing 802 that can be made of a rigid thermoplastic and may be adapted to be gripped by the hands of a user. Enclosed within the housing may be an electric motor 820 with a rotating shaft 822 that extends along a first axis line 824. To provide the suction force using the rotational motion of the motor 820, the rotary vane pumping unit may convert the rotational motion to a sweeping action that functions to draw air from a storage container.

Referring to FIG. 16, the rotary vane pumping unit may include a hollow, cylindrical stator 840 that provides an internal chamber 842. Received within the chamber 842 may be a rotatable, cylindrical rotor 844 which can be concentrically mounted to the motor shaft. The rotational axis line 824 of rotor 844, which may correspond to the axis line of the motor shaft, may be offset within the stator 840 such that one segment of the rotor is adjacent and in sliding contact with the inner wall of the stator. The offset rotor 844 and stator 840 thereby provide a crescent-shaped void 848.

The rotary vane pumping mechanism may also include a plurality of displaceable vanes 850 that are arranged to sweep through the crescent-shaped void 848. To accommodate and drive the vanes 850, the rotor 844 may include a plurality of radially arranged slots 852, the width of each slot may generally corresponding to the width of a vane 850. Accordingly, each vane can be slidingly accommodated in a slot 852. Additionally, arranged in each slot 852 may be one or more springs 854 that urge the vanes 850 radially outward of the slots so that the tips of the vanes contact a portion of the inner wall of the stator 840. To enable air to move in and out of the rotary vane pumping mechanism, an inlet aperture 856 and an exhaust aperture 858, each located at different angular positions, can communicate with the crescent void 848.

In operation, the rotor 844 may rotate clockwise with respect to the stator 840 so that the vanes 850 sweep through the crescent void 848 from the inlet aperture 856 to the exhaust aperture 858. As will be appreciated from FIG. 16, the sweeping motion of the vanes 850 may initially create an expanding volume in the region of the inlet aperture 856 that draws air into the crescent void 848. Subsequently, the continued sweeping motion of the vanes 850 in the region of the exhaust aperture 858 creates a collapsing volume that causes air to discharge from the crescent void 848. This ongoing action thereby continuously moves air from the inlet aperture to the exhaust aperture thus providing the suction force. One potential advantage of rotary vane pumping mechanisms is that they typically are less susceptible to abrupt pressure fluctuations that may be common with other pumping mechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is illustrated another embodiment of a handheld evacuation device 900 for removing latent air from a storage bag. The evacuation device 900 is similar to the evacuation device shown in FIG. 14 except that the device 900 uses an air flow generating unit 930 which includes a diaphragm pump. The diaphragm pump may include a diaphragm 935. The diaphragm 935 may be attached to the piston 934 and the chamber 936. The diaphragm 935 maintains an airtight seal between the piston and the chamber. In addition, the diaphragm is flexible and may include folds which allow the diaphragm to move with the piston without rupturing the diaphragm. Referring to FIG. 17, the device is conducting the intake stroke. The piston 934 is in an upward position and the inlet valve 942 is open. Referring to FIG. 18, the device is conducting the exhaust stroke. The piston 934 is in a downward position and the exhaust valve 944 is open. The diaphragm may be used with any of the embodiments discussed herein as appropriate.

The flexible bag can be provided with fastening strips activated by a slider. For example, referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a flexible bag 1000 having overlapping first and second sidewalls that are joined along parallel first and second side edges 1010, 1012, and a perpendicular closed bottom edge 1014 to define an internal volume 1006. To access the internal volume 1006, the portions of the first and second sidewalls 1002, 1004 that are opposite the closed bottom edge 1014 remain unjoined to form an open top edge 1016. To releasably close the open top edge 1016, the flexible bag 1000 includes a first fastening strip 1030 and a second fastening strip 1031 that engage a movable slider 1032. The bag 1000 may include a valve element 1018.

As shown in FIG. 20, the fastening strips may be U-channel fastening strips as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,641, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. U-channel fastening strips include a first fastening strip 1030 with a first closure element 1036 and a second fastening strip 1031 with a second closure element 1034. The first closure element 1036 engages the second closure element 1034. The first fastening strip 1030 may include a flange 1063 disposed at the upper end of the first fastening strip 1030 and a rib 1067 disposed at the lower end of the first fastening strip 1030. The first fastening strip 1030 may include a flange portion 1069. Likewise, the second fastening strip 1031 may include a flange 1053 disposed at the upper end of the second fastening strip 1031 and a rib 1057 disposed at the lower end of the second fastening strip 1031. The second fastening strip 1031 may include a flange portion 1059. The sidewalls 1002, 1004 of the plastic bag 1000 may be attached to the fastening strips 1030, 1031 by conventional manufacturing techniques.

The second closure element 1034 includes a base portion 1038 having a pair of spaced-apart parallely disposed webs 1040, 1041, extending from the base portion 1038. The base and the webs form a U-channel closure element. The webs 1040, include hook closure portions 1042, 1044 extending from the webs 1040, 1041 respectively, and facing towards each other. The hook closure portions 1042, 1044 include guide surfaces 1046, 1047 which serve to guide the hook closure portions 1042, 1044 for occluding with the hook closure portions 1052, 1054 of the first closure element 1036.

The first closure element 1036 includes a base portion 1048 including a pair of spaced-apart, parallely disposed webs 1050, 1051 extending from the base portion 1048. The base and the webs form a U-channel closure element. The webs 1050, 1051 include hook closure portions 1052, 1054 extending from the webs 1050, 1051 respectively and facing away from each other. The hook closure portions 1052, 1054 include guide surfaces 1045, 1055, which generally serve to guide the hook closure portions 1052, 1054 for occlusion with the hook closure portions 1042, 1044 of the second closure element 1034. The guide surfaces 1045, 1055 may also have a rounded crown surface.

The slider 1032 includes a top portion 1072. The top portion provides a separator 1043 having a first end and a second end wherein the first end may be wider than the second end. In addition, the separator 1043 may be triangular in shape. When the slider is moved in the occlusion direction, the separator 1043 deoccludes the fastening strips 1030, 1031 as shown in FIG. 24. Referring to FIG. 24, the closure elements 1034, 1036 are deoccluded and specifically, the upper hook portions 1042, 1052 and the lower hook portions 1044, 1054 are deoccluded.

The interlocking fastening strips may comprise “arrowhead-type” or “rib and groove” fastening strips as shown in FIG. 21 and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998 herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The rib element 1105 interlocks with the groove element 1107. The rib element 1105 is of generally arrow-shape in transverse cross section including a head 1110 comprising interlock shoulder hook portions 1111 and 1112 generally convergently related to provide a cam ridge 1113 generally aligned with a stem flange 1114 by which the head is connected in spaced relation with respect to the supporting flange portion 1108. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 16-23). At their surfaces nearest the connecting stem flange 1114, the shoulder portions 1111 and 1112 define reentrant angles therewith providing interlock hooks engageable with interlock hook flanges 1115 and 1117 respectively of the groove element 1107. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 23-28). Said hook flanges generally converge toward one another and are spread open to receive the head 1110 therebetween when said head is pressed into said groove element 1107 until the head is fully received in a groove 1118 of said groove element 1107 generally complementary to the head and within which the head is interlocked by interengagement of the head shoulder hook portions 1111 and 1112 and the groove hook flanges 1115 and 1117. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 28-36). Through this arrangement, as indicated, the head and groove elements 1105 and 1107 are adapted to be interlockingly engaged by being pressed together and to be separated when forcibly pulled apart, as by means of a generally U-shaped slider 1119. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 36-41).

The slider 1119 includes a flat back plate 1120 adapted to run along free edges 1121 on the upper ends of the sections of the flange portions 1108 and 1109 as shown in the drawing. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 41-46). Integrally formed with the back plate 1120 and extending in the same direction (downwardly as shown) therefrom are respective coextensive sidewalls 1122 with an intermediate spreader finger 1123 extending in the same direction as the sidewalls at one end of the slider. (U.S. Pat. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 46-51). The sidewalls 1122 are in the form of panels which are laterally divergent from a narrower end of the slider. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 51-55). The slider walls 1122 are each provided with an inwardly projecting shoulder structure 1124 flange adapted to engage respective shoulder ribs 1125 and 1127 on respectively outer sides of the lower section of the flange portions 1108 and 1109. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, line 66 to Col. 3, line 3).

Additionally, the interlocking fastening strips may comprise “profile” fastening strips, as shown in FIG. 22 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299 herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As shown in FIG. 22, the first profile 1216 has at least an uppermost closure element 1216 a and a bottommost closure element 1216 b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 25-27). The closure elements 1216 a and 1216 b project laterally from the inner surface of strip 1214. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 27-28). Likewise, the second profile 1217 has at least an uppermost closure element 1217 a and a bottommost closure element 1217 b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 28-30). The closure elements 1217 a and 1217 b project laterally from the inner surface of strip 1215. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 30-32). When the bag is closed, the closure elements of profile 1216 interlock with the corresponding closure elements of profile 1217. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 32-34). As shown in FIG. 22, closure elements 1216 a, 1216 b, 1217 a and 1217 b have hooks on the ends of the closure elements, so that the profiles remain interlocked when the bag is closed, thereby forming a seal. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 34-37).

The straddling slider 1210 comprises an inverted U-shaped member having a top 1220 for moving along the top edges of the strips 1214 and 1215. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 1-3). The slider 1210 has sidewalls 1221 and 1222 depending from the top 1220. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 3-4). A separating leg 1223 depends from the top 1220 between the sidewalls 1221 and 1222 and is located between the uppermost closure elements 1216 a and 1217 a of profiles 1216 and 1217. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 26-30). The fastening assembly includes ridges 1225 on the outer surfaces of the fastening strips 1214 and 1215, and shoulders 1221 b and 1222 b on the sidewalls of the slider. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 62-65). The shoulders act as means for maintaining the slider in straddling relation with the fastening strips by grasping the lower surfaces of the ridges 1225. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 5, lines 4-7).

Also, the interlocking fastening strips may be “rolling action” fastening strips as shown in FIG. 23 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143 herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The strips 1314 and 1315 include profiled tracks 1318 and 1319 extending along the length thereof parallel to the rib and groove elements 1316 and 1317 and the rib and groove elements 1316, 1317 have complimentary cross-sectional shapes such that they are closed by pressing the bottom of the elements together first and then rolling the elements to a closed position toward the top thereof. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 4, line 62 to Col. 5, line 1). The rib element 1316 is hook shaped and projects from the inner face of strip 1314. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 1-3). The groove element 1317 includes a lower hook-shaped projection 1317 a and a relatively straight projection 1317 b which extend from the inner face of strip 1315. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 3-6). The profiled tracks 1318 and 1319 are inclined inwardly toward each other from their respective strips 1314 and 1315. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 6-8).

The vacuum system can thus provide a storage container having a valve element adaptable between a normally closed and an altered and opened condition. The system also can provide a vacuum device configured with a contact feature to alter the valve element. Applicants intend that the following claims cover any and all various suitable combinations of the aforementioned valve elements, storage containers, evacuation devices, contact features, air flow generating units and/or rechargeable batteries.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A vacuum storage system comprising: a storage container including one or more exterior walls providing an interior volume for receiving food items, and a one-way valve element attached to the sidewall and communicating with the interior volume, the valve element including a flexible membrane and at least one orifice disposed through the membrane, the valve element being alterable between a normal condition in which the orifice is closed and an altered condition in which the orifice is opened; and a vacuum device including an airflow generating unit, a nozzle communicating with the airflow generating unit, and a contact feature to contact and alter the valve element from the normal condition to the altered condition.
 2. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the membrane is flat and generally co-planar with the sidewall in the normal condition.
 3. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the orifice partitions the valve element into first and second semicircular halves.
 4. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the valve element includes a plurality of orifices disposed through the membrane.
 5. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the membrane is displaced toward the interior volume when in the altered condition.
 6. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum device is a handheld evacuation device including an elongated housing enclosing the airflow generating device, the nozzle and the contact feature located at the foremost end of the elongated housing.
 7. The vacuum storage system of claim 6, wherein the contact feature is a forward projecting finger.
 8. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the membrane in the normal condition has a domed shape domed upwards with respect to the sidewall.
 9. The vacuum storage system of claim 1, wherein the air flow generating unit includes a motor, the motor is powered by a rechargeable battery.
 10. A method of evacuating a storage container comprising: (i) providing a storage container having at least one exterior wall delineating an interior volume and a one-way valve element including a flexible membrane attached to the wall and communicating with the interior volume; the valve element including an orifice and having a normal condition whereby the orifice is closed and an altered condition whereby the orifice is opened; (ii) impinging a contact feature of a vacuum device upon the valve element to alter the valve element from the normal condition to the altered condition; (iii) activating an airflow generating unit of the vacuum device to withdraw air from the interior volume through the orifice into the evacuation device; and (iv) separating the contact feature from the valve element such that the valve element returns to the normal condition.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of impinging the valve element deflects the valve element toward the interior volume. 